4 Wheel Steering on Hilly Terrain?

jj1 · Apr 25, 2006

Good or Bad? Whats your advice. Better than two wheel steering. Safe or unsafe??

texasjohn · Apr 25, 2006

I'm assuming you mean "is using 4 wheel drive/assist on hills better than 2 wheel drive?"

To me, under any kind of uncertain conditions I prefer (for both safety and effectiveness reasons) to use 4 wheel drive. This certainly applies to hilly/rocky conditions in my neck of the woods.

For me 4WD improves the effectiveness of a tractor immesurably when you really need it.... tough conditions and bad terrain.

3RRL · Apr 25, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm assuming you mean "is using 4 wheel drive/assist on hills better than 2 wheel drive?")</font>
I don't think so? I think he's talking about 4 wheel steering?

jj1 · Apr 25, 2006

Yes. Thats right. 4 Wheel steering not 4 wheel drive.
Thoughts??

davidseaquist · Apr 25, 2006

I own a tractor with four wheel steering and 4 wheel drive. It is awsome it handles a lot better than my little kubota bx22 that I sold. 4wheel steering does'nt require as much room to manuver and you can set it so that it creeps foreward and side ways at the same time. Four wheel steering has all four wheels the same size as opposed to large in back and smaller up in front. I haven't noticed any more stabilty issues on a hill than my little bx. when I used to roll over a small rock the old tractor felt like it wanted to tip over. My tractor is also continuous four wheel drive. David

jj1 · Apr 25, 2006

Anybody else want to weigh in?? I'm all ears! I more or less ruled out a zero turn for this reason. But still not sure about the 4 wheel steering on hills /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

jj1 · Apr 26, 2006

Come on people. You must have some more opinions on this subject /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

coasterez · Apr 27, 2006

I have a JD425 AWS that is just awesome. BTW, my back wheels are larger than my front ones. I mow a 20 degree incline sideways without any fear of tipping. I would say that when coupled with a hydrostatic tranny, that AWS can't be beat for traction, stability, and certainly manueverability.

And for snow removal, AWS with my power front mount dozer blade will run circles around most other snow machines, even those much larger. I can plow sides even on narrow driveways, or straight ahead, and when close around cars, and buildings with incredible efficiency. I have a friend who has the same model tractor as mine but without AWS. He says his won't push more than about 8" of heavy snow very effectively. In contrast, I've pushed snows as deep as 25" without any problem at all, even uphill. I think at least part of that is due to the AWS.

The only negatives with AWS:

Can tear your grass if tractor is heavy - always turn while in motion, avoid turning while stationary.

Generally less ground clearance. My tractor is heavy and powerful enough to pull implements. But, the ground clearance limits what I can do, especially in broken soil. On my particular tractor the ground clearance on a non-AWS is more than double the AWS model.

There are some new models out that offer nearly the same turning radius' without being AWS. These might be worth a look. But, there is little not to like about AWS.

jj1 · Apr 27, 2006

Thanks Coasterez for that info. The 425 is a really nice machine. A bit more beefier than the x304 I am looking at. Hard to justify for my 3/4 of an acre. But that AWS is the cat's a**. I hope the transmission will hold up on that model.